Episodes

5d ago

Cowboys RTC coach Lee Roper join Fred and Brandon to discuss the pursuit and power of winning, outlining what it takes to become an elite wrestler for both the parents and athletes. Roper, a former University of Northern Iowa coach, details the desired gains at youth, middle school and high school levels. And Coach Roper also gives us all something to ponder when we cite "crazy parents" at tournaments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9

In an electrifying episode that begins with a hypo ethical food journey toMexico, Coleman Scott returns to the show to discuss accountability for your kids vs. being a crazy parent. Is it a fine line? Use Code FORWARD to save 15% on Defense Soap Orders: ⁠https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Popularity in Mexico 03:38 The Culinary Delights of Mexico 06:43 Wrestling Clinics and Youth Development 09:38 Insights from the Tulsa Kickoff Tournament 12:26 Parenting Styles in Youth Sports 15:33 Accountability vs. Crazy Parenting 18:37 Balancing Discipline and Enjoyment in Sports 25:09 Understanding Burnout in Sports 26:41 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 29:26 The Importance of Post-Match Conversations 31:02 The Pressure of Competition and Financial Investment 33:19 Wrestling as a Life Preparation Tool 34:40 The Mental Toughness of Wrestlers 38:46 Tailoring Coaching to Individual Needs 43:29 Life Beyond Wrestling: Building Better Humans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 2

Fred and Brandon discuss cool ways to teach kids technique at home. Just don't do these in restaurants. That will get you in trouble. Just ask Fred. Use Code FORWARD to save 15% on Defense Soap Orders: https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 25

In this short episode, Dr. Brandon Mason and Fred Minnick share a few wrestling memories from past Thanksgivings. Mason, a former All American at Oklahoma State, has some advice for wrestlers chowing down this Thanksgiving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18

2025 US Open Champion, PanAm champion and 3X NCAA All American Joey McKenna joins Fred and Brandon to share the story of how he became known as "Joey Bag of Donuts," his famous pull up bar and how his youth lessons still help him today. Support our Sponsor, Defense Soap. Get 15% off any purchase with the coupon code FORWARD. https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11

All athletes face failure and adversity. This week, Brandon and Fred visit with their first returning guest--NCAA Champ and Olympic Bronze Medalist Coleman Scott--to discuss coping with fear, failure and how his preparation prepares athletes for the biggest stages. Support our Sponsor, Defense Soap. Get 15% off any purchase with the coupon code FORWARD. https://www.defensesoap.com/coupon/forward/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 4

With Fred and Brandon, Bellarmine Head Coach Ned Shuck explores the significance of encouragement, the role of parents, and the emotional impact of competition on young athletes. Shuck shares insights on coaching styles, youth development, and the recruiting process, highlighting the need for a supportive environment that nurtures a love for the sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wrestling Community and Coaches 02:39 Building a Positive Youth Wrestling Culture 05:42 The Importance of Encouragement in Youth Sports 08:15 Coaching Styles and Youth Development 11:00 The Role of Parents in Youth Wrestling 13:51 Focusing on Effort Over Wins and Losses 16:20 The Emotional Impact of Competition on Kids 19:22 Recruiting and Parental Influence in Wrestling 22:12 Advice for Young Wrestlers and Their Parents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 28

This week's special guest is Howard Forrest, a dedicated father of seven and a passionate supporter of his children's athletic pursuits, particularly in wrestling. The father of world team member and No. 1 pound-for-pound recruit Jax Forrest, Howard shares insights into the challenges and joys of parenting young athletes, emphasizing the importance of encouragement, confidence-building, and maintaining family values. The conversation explores the dynamics of coaching one's own child, the significance of community support, and the need to celebrate individual successes while fostering a healthy competitive spirit among siblings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Forrest Family and Wrestling Journey 02:43 The Dynamics of Parenting in Sports 05:21 Managing a Large Family's Athletic Commitments 08:23 Jax Forrest: The Making of a Champion 10:48 The Role of Motivation and Competition 13:39 Building Confidence in Young Athletes 16:32 Coaching Challenges and Parent Dynamics 19:12 Positive Reinforcement and Learning from Losses 26:28 Balancing Coaching and Parenting 29:19 Life Beyond the Mat: Hobbies and Friendships 32:55 The Move to Pennsylvania: A Family Decision 36:38 Navigating Success and Pressure in Wrestling 40:59 Character Development and Family Values Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 21

Hosts Fred Minnick and Brandon Mason discuss the world of youth wrestling with John Strittmatter, a prominent coach and founder of the Young Guns Wrestling Club. They explore the origins of Young Guns, the importance of fostering a love for the sport, and the balance between effort and results in youth athletics. This and other episodes are sponsored by Defense Soap: https://www.defensesoap.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pin It Forward Podcast 02:41 The Impact of Young Guns Wrestling Program 05:19 John Strittmatter's Journey and Coaching Philosophy 07:43 Success Stories from Young Guns 10:28 Parenting and Coaching Dynamics 13:01 The Secret Sauce of Young Guns' Success 15:54 Balancing Coaching and Parenting 18:30 Managing Sibling Rivalry in Sports 23:17 Understanding Kids' Motivation in Sports 25:52 The Role of Parental Support and Encouragement 29:03 The Importance of Organic Growth in Passion 30:46 The Impact of Wrestling Camps on Youth Development 33:29 Navigating the High School Wrestling Landscape 36:04 The Recruiting Process and Parental Guidance 37:46 Social Media's Influence on Young Athletes 40:19 Assessing Effort vs. Results in Young Wrestlers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 14

Todd Hendrickson has stories about his son, Wyatt, who won the 2025 NCAA heavyweight title, is the current RAF heavyweight belt holder and 2025 World Team member. And he shares them all on Pin It Forward. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:21 The Early Days of Wrestling: Wyatt's Journey Begins 04:41 Mental Game: Support and Encouragement in Wrestling 06:34 Celebrating Success: The Emotional Moments 09:07 Overcoming Challenges: Staying Motivated Through Adversity 11:01 Positive Reinforcement: The Role of Rewards in Training 12:01 Transitioning to High School: Navigating New Challenges 12:59 College Decisions: The Path to the Air Force Academy 22:25 The Commitment of Military Academies: Balancing Wrestling and Service 24:18 The Journey of Wyatt Hendrickson 27:25 Coaching and Mentorship in Wrestling 28:39 Decisions and Transfers in Wrestling 30:37 The Historic Gable Match 34:43 Support and Family Dynamics 35:55 Reflections on Parenting and Growth 39:14 Future Aspirations and Community Impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 7

In this episode of Pin It Forward, hosts Fred Minnick and Dr. Brandon Mason delve into the topic of transferring clubs, exploring when and why athletes might consider making a change. The conversation highlights the impact of coaching styles, the signs that indicate a need for change, and the role of competition in athlete development. They also touch on the cultural and religious aspects of wrestling, emphasizing the importance of character and consistency in coaching. The episode concludes with final thoughts on personal growth and the decision-making process involved in changing clubs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Growth 02:44 The Importance of Wrestling in Personal Development 05:25 When to Transfer Clubs in Wrestling 08:04 High-Level Transfers and Their Impact 10:54 Coaching Styles and Their Influence on Development 13:34 Signs a Kid Should Change Programs 15:58 The Role of Competition and Instruction Quality 18:44 Long-Term Development vs. Immediate Success 23:26 Preparing Young Wrestlers for Competition 26:50 The Importance of Consistency in Coaching 35:01 Making Thoughtful Decisions About Changing Clubs 38:40 The Role of Faith in Wrestling Culture 43:09 Managing Skin Health in Wrestling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30

"The Farm," a fantastic wrestling training facility, founder Coleman Scott joins Fred and Brand, who was Coleman's teammate at Oklahoma State. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the spirit of wrestling, and it set the perfect backdrop for our conversation. 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Farm Introduction to the podcast setting and guest Coleman Scott. 00:01:00 - Wrestling Dads and Lessons Learned Coleman shares insights on coaching kids and what he learned from observing wrestling dads. 00:02:00 - Juicy Dad Stories Discussion about wrestling dads getting kicked out of tournaments and the behavior of parents. 00:03:00 - The Role of Parents in Wrestling Coleman talks about the importance of parental behavior and its impact on kids in wrestling. 00:04:00 - The Crazy World of Wrestling Moms A light-hearted take on the intensity of wrestling moms compared to dads. 00:05:00 - Balancing Competition and Fun The importance of keeping wrestling enjoyable for kids while still fostering competition. 00:06:00 - Parenting and Coaching Dynamics Coleman discusses the challenges of being a coach and a parent simultaneously. 00:07:00 - Positive Coaching Environment The significance of maintaining a positive atmosphere in wrestling clubs and practices. 00:08:00 - Communication with Parents How Coleman manages communication with parents at The Farm. 00:09:00 - Creating a Safe Space for Kids The importance of separating parents from the wrestling room to foster a better environment for kids. 00:10:00 - Handling Kids' Emotions in Sports Coleman shares strategies for dealing with kids' emotional responses during practice and competition. 00:11:00 - The Importance of Encouragement Discussing the need for positive reinforcement rather than criticism. 00:12:00 - Effort Over Results The focus on effort and personal growth rather than just winning. 00:13:00 - Navigating Internal Pressure How to help kids manage the internal pressures they face in sports. 00:14:00 - The Role of Fun in Wrestling The balance between hard work and enjoyment in wrestling training. 00:15:00 - Parent Camp Concept Coleman shares his idea for a parent camp to educate parents on supporting their kids. 00:16:00 - Father-Son Camp Plans Details about an upcoming father-son camp and its objectives. 00:17:00 - Coaching Across Different Levels Coleman reflects on his coaching experiences from youth to elite levels. 00:18:00 - The Dangers of Specialization Discussion on the risks of early specialization in sports. 00:19:00 - Influence of Social Media on Kids The impact of social media on young athletes and their perceptions of success. 00:20:00 - Weight Cutting in Youth Sports Coleman's strong stance against weight cutting for young athletes. 00:21:00 - Encouraging Diverse Sports Participation The importance of encouraging kids to participate in multiple sports. 00:22:00 - The Value of Sports in Life Coleman discusses how sports teach valuable life lessons. 00:23:00 - The Pressure of Winning Exploring the balance between competition and the love of the sport. 00:24:00 - Effort and Love in Sports The connection between effort, love for the sport, and success. 00:25:00 - Handling Kids' Specialization Desires Strategies for managing kids who want to specialize in one sport. 00:26:00 - The Importance of Communication How to effectively communicate with kids about their sports experiences. 00:27:00 - The Role of Social Media in Youth Sports Coleman shares his views on the negative effects of social media on young athletes. 00:28:00 - The Impact of Online Criticism Discussion on the challenges athletes face from online critics and forums. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 23

In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, we dive into the specialization of children in wrestling and the timing for entering national tournaments. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Specialization in Wrestling 00:01:00 - The Chaos of Youth Sports 00:02:30 - Comparing Wrestling to Other Sports 00:03:30 - When to Start National Tournaments 00:05:00 - The Importance of Tough Competition 00:06:00 - Life Experiences in Sports 00:07:30 - Memorable Family Moments 00:09:00 - Assessing Competition Levels 00:10:30 - Listening to Coaches 00:12:00 - The Role of Coaches in Tournament Decisions 00:13:30 - Finding Success in Wrestling 00:15:00 - The Value of Individual Coaching 00:16:30 - Wrestling Experiences and Stories 00:18:00 - The Benefits of Wrestling Camps 00:19:30 - Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Participation 00:21:00 - The Debate on Specialization 00:22:30 - Childhood Activity and Health 00:24:00 - The Importance of Staying Active 00:25:30 - Complementary Sports for Wrestlers 00:27:00 - Concerns About Football and Injuries 00:28:30 - Personal Injury Stories 00:30:00 - The Impact of Specialization on Injuries 00:31:30 - Finding Balance in Training 00:42:00 - Conclusion: The Wrestling Family Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 16

In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, we dive deep into the world of youth sports, particularly wrestling, and the critical role parents play in shaping their children's experiences and identities as athletes. Our guest, Kevin Andrews, a licensed professional counselor and sports psychologist at Oklahoma State University, shares invaluable insights from his extensive work with athletes across various sports. 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Pin It Forward Podcast 00:00:49 - Introducing Kevin Andrews 00:01:40 - Kevin's Background and Role at Oklahoma State 00:02:27 - The Importance of Identity in Young Athletes 00:03:44 - Fear of Making Mistakes in Sports 00:06:35 - The Impact of Parenting on Athlete Performance 00:07:54 - Kevin's Approach as a Father 00:10:04 - Balancing Winning and Enjoyment in Sports 00:12:21 - The Role of Winning in Youth Sports 00:12:26 - Observing Athletes Before and After Matches 00:13:34 - The Flow State in Competition 00:15:22 - Overcoming Internal Criticism 00:17:19 - Supporting Children in Sports 00:19:15 - Managing Post-Match Conversations 00:22:10 - The Importance of the Car Ride Home 00:23:08 - Setting Expectations for Teenagers 00:24:18 - Creating a Supportive Environment for Athletes 00:26:29 - Mindfulness Techniques for Athletes 00:27:11 - Dealing with Tournament Chaos 00:30:09 - Managing Family Dynamics at Tournaments 00:32:10 - The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes 00:42:10 - Navigating the Challenges of Social Media 00:47:59 - Instilling Values Through Sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 9

In this episode of the Pennant Forward podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Zoheir El Ouarrage , Oklahoma State Developmental Coach and a well-respected figure in the wrestling community. Our conversation revolved around the critical role of parents in youth wrestling and how their involvement can significantly impact a child's experience and development in the sport. 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:00:21 - Zo's Journey to America and Coaching 00:01:56 - Positive Aspects of Wrestling Parents 00:02:41 - Examples of Good Wrestling Parents 00:05:15 - John Smith's Parenting Style 00:06:12 - Everyday Parents and Their Impact 00:08:08 - Coaches' Perspectives on Kids' Results 00:10:12 - The Problem with Instant Replay in Youth Sports 00:11:24 - Focus on Development Over Immediate Success 00:12:23 - The Importance of a Safe Space for Kids 00:13:34 - Handling Losses and Parental Reactions 00:15:34 - Scenarios: Handling Common Tournament Issues 00:19:50 - Forgetful Kids and Parental Responses 00:21:50 - Parental Involvement in High-Level Wrestling 00:24:41 - Balancing Coaching and Parenting 00:26:26 - Parental Involvement in Adult Wrestlers' Lives 00:28:07 - The Fine Line Between Support and Pressure 00:30:41 - Creating Positive Experiences for All Kids 00:34:00 - Building Relationships Beyond Wrestling 00:37:11 - The Importance of Good Behavior in Sports 00:39:49 - The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 00:40:16 - The Ice Cream Tradition After Practice 00:42:15 - Closing Thoughts and Reflections 00:44:35 - Encouraging Enthusiasm in Young Wrestlers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 2

In this episode of the Pin It Forward, we dive into a topic that resonates deeply with parents who are passionate about wrestling and want to see their children excel at the collegiate level. Fred Minnick and Dr. Brandon Mason explore the critical question: When do college coaches start looking at young wrestlers as potential recruits? 00:00:00 - Introduction and Stain Story 00:01:00 - Wrestling Podcast Introduction 00:01:30 - When Coaches Start Looking at Wrestlers 00:02:30 - State Tournaments and College Coaches 00:03:30 - Spotlight on the Raney Twins 00:04:30 - The Importance of National Competitions 00:05:30 - Parents' Role in the Recruiting Process 00:06:30 - The Value of Commitment Over Talent 00:07:30 - Building Relationships with Coaches 00:08:30 - The Importance of Camps and Exposure 00:09:30 - Navigating the Recruiting Process 00:10:30 - Scholarship Realities in College Wrestling 00:11:30 - The Role of Grades in College Admissions 00:12:30 - Competing Against the Best 00:13:30 - The Impact of Roster Caps 00:14:30 - Final Thoughts on Pursuing Coaches 00:15:30 - The Importance of Effort and Attitude 00:16:30 - Building Relationships with College Coaches 00:17:30 - The Role of Regional Training Centers 00:18:30 - Encouraging Kids Without Pressure 00:19:30 - Closing Thoughts on Wrestling and Life 00:20:30 - Conclusion and Final Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 26

In this episode of the Pin It Forward podcast, Dr. Brandon Mason and Fred Minnick, dive into a topic that resonates deeply with wrestling parents: the complexities of weight cutting and nutrition in youth wrestling. We kick off the episode by reminiscing about a memorable moment in wrestling history involving Wyatt Hendrickson and his father, highlighting the emotional connections that come with the sport. However, we quickly pivot to a more serious discussion about the pressures young athletes face regarding weight management. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Iconic Wrestling Moment 00:01:00 - The Importance of Nutrition and Weight Cutting 00:02:02 - Mental Aspects of Weight Cutting for Young Wrestlers 00:03:44 - Youth Weight Cutting Concerns 00:05:08 - The Impact of Weight Cutting on Performance 00:06:25 - Personal Experiences with Weight Cutting 00:07:23 - The Movement Against Weight Cutting 00:08:47 - Navigating Weight Classes in Youth Wrestling 00:09:39 - Cultural Influences on Weight Cutting 00:10:36 - Parental Guidance on Weight Management 00:11:56 - Hydration and Nutrition for Competitions 00:12:22 - Nutrition Strategies for Wrestlers 00:14:02 - The Balance of Nutrition and Growth 00:15:29 - Challenges of Feeding Kids Healthy Foods 00:17:04 - The Role of Processed Foods in Children's Health 00:18:22 - Finding Ways to Encourage Vegetable Consumption 00:19:34 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Nutrition 00:25:45 - Wrap-Up and Future Guests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19

Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of resilience in the face of competition. We discuss how to handle losses gracefully and the need for parents to provide unconditional support, regardless of the outcome. Dr. Mason shares insights on how to foster a winning mindset while also preparing children for the inevitable challenges they will face in sports and life. As we wrap up, we reflect on the life lessons that wrestling imparts, from work ethic to accountability. We encourage parents to maintain a steady presence, helping their children navigate the ups and downs of competition without adding to their stress. Join us for this insightful conversation filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a shared passion for supporting young athletes. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with fellow wrestling parents, and pin it forward! 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast Welcome back to the Pin It Forward podcast, discussing parenting and wrestling. 00:00:10 - Meet Dr. Brandon Mason Introduction of Dr. Brandon Mason and his accomplishments. 00:00:38 - Parenting Challenges Discussion on the evolving relationship with children as they grow. 00:01:42 - The Joy of Parenting Reflections on the gift of being a parent and shaping children's lives. 00:02:33 - Managing Pre-Match Nerves Introduction to the topic of managing nerves before competitions. 00:03:21 - Flow State in Wrestling Explaining the concept of flow state and its importance in performance. 00:04:24 - Role of Sports Psychiatrists The increasing presence of sports psychologists in athletics. 00:05:17 - Stress in Wrestling Tournaments Describing the stressful environment of wrestling tournaments. 00:06:49 - Eliminating Pre-Tournament Stress Tips on reducing stress before tournaments for both parents and kids. 00:08:48 - Individual Needs of Athletes Recognizing that every child has different needs and coping mechanisms. 00:10:02 - Warm-Up Routines The importance of physical warm-ups before matches. 00:10:33 - Technology and Focus Discussing the impact of devices on children's focus before matches. 00:11:59 - Handling Competition Pressure Managing expectations when facing highly ranked opponents. 00:13:49 - Coping with Losses How to support children after a loss and maintain a positive mindset. 00:15:56 - Mindfulness Techniques Using mindfulness to manage anxiety and nerves. 00:19:17 - Timing for Mat Preparation Finding the right time for kids to get ready for their matches. 00:21:11 - The Role of Coaches The importance of having a calm and steady coach during competitions. 00:22:56 - Nutrition and Hydration Plans The significance of proper nutrition and hydration for performance. 00:25:25 - Lessons from Wrestling How wrestling prepares children for challenges in life. 00:28:32 - Encouraging a Strong Work Ethic The importance of effort and accountability in sports. 00:30:57 - Final Thoughts on Parenting and Wrestling Concluding thoughts on the joys and challenges of parenting in sports. 00:36:26 - Closing Remarks Wrap-up of the episode and encouragement to share the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 12

In the debut episode of Pin It Forward , hosts Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former wrestler, and Dr. Brandon Mason, an All-American wrestler from Oklahoma State and Radiologist, kick off their podcast with a passionate mission to guide parents in nurturing young wrestlers without the pressure that often plagues youth sports. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Pin It Forward Podcast 00:00:14 - Purpose of the Podcast 00:00:44 - Personal Experiences with Wrestling 00:01:55 - The Impact of Parental Pressure 00:03:33 - Wrestling vs. Team Sports 00:04:20 - Encouragement Over Criticism 00:05:42 - Brandon's Wrestling Background 00:08:01 - The Role of Supportive Coaches 00:09:43 - The Importance of Trust in Relationships 00:10:56 - Verbal Criticism vs. Physical Criticism 00:12:52 - Building Resilience in Young Athletes 00:16:06 - Effort Over Outcome 00:19:11 - The Balance of Toughness and Support 00:20:40 - Future Topics for the Podcast 00:24:40 - Conclusion and Call to Action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices